US20130186785A1

US20130186785A1 - Garment shield device

Info

Publication number: US20130186785A1
Application number: US13/353,375
Authority: US
Inventors: Michelle S. Alfred; Samuel A. Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-19
Filing date: 2012-01-19
Publication date: 2013-07-25

Abstract

A garment shield device includes a lightweight veil for covering the face and/or neck of a user, and acting as a physical barrier for preventing a cosmetic material from soiling a garment. A garment shield device also includes a headband configured to secure an upper portion of the veil to the head of a user and/or lower portion of the veil to the chin and/or neck of a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to soil prevention devices, and more particularly to a shield that is worn on the head of a user while dressing.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Each year, merchants across the globe spend millions of dollars laundering or discarding soiled clothing. In many instances, brand new clothes become fouled when a perspective purchaser tries on the garment inside the store. To this end, items such as shirts, sweaters and blouses, for example, often make contact with the face of the perspective purchaser at which time dirt and/or cosmetics such as eye shadow, lipstick, foundation and the like rubs off onto the clothing.
Once the clothing becomes stained, the merchant must either launder the garment, lower the price, or throw it away. In each of these cases, the merchant does not make the expected profit on the item, and by laundering or discarding soiled garments, merchants are contributing to the pollution and overburdening of landfills.
There are many known products, devices and methods for removing stains from garments. Additionally, there are many known chemical agents which can be applied to garments in order to reduce the ability of the garment to absorb stains. While these devices fulfill their respective objectives, the above items do not provide a physical barrier for preventing the garments from being soiled in the first place.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a garment shield device capable of preventing the unwanted transfer of dirt and cosmetics onto clothing when being worn by a user. It would also be beneficial to provide a device that is inexpensive to manufacture, that is ecologically friendly, and that is easy to wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a garment shield device. One embodiment of the present invention can include a headband connected to a lightweight veil configured to cover the face of a user in order to prevent cosmetic materials from soiling a garment.
Another embodiment of the present invention can include a biodegradable design having a breathable, transparent, light weight and contoured veil.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include an elastic cap for securing the device to the users head, a lower headband and a veil that is configured to completely encircle the head of the user.
This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a back side of a garment shield device that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a user wearing the garment shield device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a garment shield kit having a plurality of collapsed garment shield devices in a container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a garment shield device according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a user wearing the garment shield device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a garment shield device according to another alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user wearing the garment shield device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a user wearing a garment shield device according to yet another alternate embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
Although described throughout this document as a barrier against cosmetics such as lipstick, foundation, eye liner, lip gloss, etc., one of skill in the art will recognize that inventive concepts described herein can act to prevent the transference of any type of substance located on or about the head of a user from rubbing off onto a garment. Additionally, the term dressing process shall include any situation where a user's head, neck and/or neck area are in close proximity to garments such as shirts, blouses, sweaters and the like. Although primarily intended for use in stores and dressing rooms, other applications are readily anticipated such as home use, and theatre use (including film and television), where users wearing stage makeup must make wardrobe changes. Moreover, for purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a garment shield device 10 in an expanded state that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the device 10 can include a lightweight veil 11 and a headband 12 positioned along the top portion thereof.
The veil 11 can act as a shield for covering the face and neck of a user during a dressing process. To this end, the veil will act as a lightweight physical barrier capable of preventing any cosmetics from making contact with the clothing. In one embodiment, veil 11 can include a generally rectangular shape having a top portion 11 a, a bottom portion 11 b, a pair of opposing side portions 11 c and 11 d, a front surface 11 e, and a back surface 11 f. The veil 11 can include a dimension suitable for covering the face and/or neck of a user. Accordingly, the veil can be constructed to fit adults, children or may be constructed as a one size fits all.
In one embodiment, veil 11 can be disposable in nature and will preferably be constructed from a single sheet of lightweight, transparent, breathable material such as biodegradable tissue paper, ultra lightweight recyclable plastic netting or nylon, for example, in order to ensure a user wearing the veil does not experience impaired vision, breathing and/or hearing (See FIG. 2).
Although described above with respect to a specific size, shape and material, one of skill in the art will recognize that the veil 11 can include any number of different shapes (i.e. contours), sizes, materials and/or construction methodologies. Moreover, in one alternate embodiment, the device 10 can be reusable in nature, and can include a veil 11 that is constructed from any number of fine lightweight, breathable, transparent, and hypoallergenic materials such as cotton, silk, or satin, for example that will also ensure a user does not experience impaired vision, breathing and/or hearing.
The headband 12 can act to secure the device to the head of a user during a dressing process. It is preferred that the headband be able to act in a manner that will not allow the device 10 to fall off during a dressing process, while also not unduly disturbing the hair of the user. In one preferred embodiment, headband 12 can include a thin elastic band (e.g., strands of weaved latex and/or rubber) having both ends 12 a and 12 b secured to the top of the veil by a connector 13. Of course the headband 12 can also be constructed from any number of other known items, such as a rubber band, two pieces of string configured to be tied together to fit the head of a user, an adjustable drawstring, and/or a thin pliable wire band configured to mold to the shape of a user's head, among many others.
The connectors 13 can act to secure the headband 12 to the veil 11. In one preferred embodiment, connectors 13 can comprise a lightweight element such as a staple, for example, capable of securely binding the two elements together. However, many other known components can also be utilized herein, such as compression fittings, eyelet fasteners and/or glue, for example. Each of these components and their uses are well known in the art, accordingly no further description will be provided.
As described above, one embodiment of the garment shield 10 can be disposable in nature. To this end, when used in a commercial setting, such as a department store or clothing outlet, it is preferable that the entire device 10 be capable of being manufactured, shipped and stored in a collapsed manner until ready for use. To this end, FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a garment shield kit that includes a plurality of garment shields in a collapsed manner stored within a container 40 having an opening 31 at the top for retrieving each garment shield 10 when ready for use.
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the garment shield device 10 that further includes a brim pad 40 and an optional lower headband 42 secured to a veil 11 having a contoured shape.
As shown, the veil 11, according to this embodiment can include a shape capable of contouring to the head of a user. For example, the veil 11 can include flaps 11 c 1 and 11 d 1 configured to travel towards the back of a user's head. In one embodiment, these flaps can be configured to cover the ears of a user (not shown) or can be specifically configured to rest just above the ears of a user. In another example, the veil 11 can include a lower flap 11 b 1 configured to ensure the chin of a user is completely covered. In either instance, flaps 11 c 1, 11 d 1, and/or 11 b 1 can act to allow the veil to better contour to the head of the user, thus making the device more comfortable during use.
The brim pad 40 can act as a spacer in order to provide additional comfort and support to the user by preventing the back surface 11 f of the veil from being in constant contact with the nose and face of the user. In one preferred embodiment, the brim pad 40 can be constructed from one or more elongated strips of padded material such as rubber or cloth strips that are secured along the upper periphery of the back surface of the veil 11 via an adhesive material. Of course any number of different materials can be utilized to form the brim pad and any number of different means of securing the same to the veil can be utilized.
The optional lower headband 42 can act as a secondary attachment point for securing the device to the head of a user, and for preventing the lower portion of the veil 11 from separating from the face of a user during a dressing procedure. The lower headband 42 can include an essentially identical construction as the headband 12 described above, and will also be connected to the veil by connectors 13.
In operation, and as shown in FIG. 5, the lower headband 42 can fit loosely around the lower portion of the users head and/or neck and can prevent an upward force A (such as when a user is removing a shirt, for example) from lifting the bottom portion of the veil 11 b.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another alternate embodiment of the garment shield 10 in which the headband 12 is replaced with an elastic cap 60.
As shown, the elastic cap 60 can include a top section 60 a and a rounded lower section 60 b for encircling the upper portion of a user's head. The cap 60 can be secured to the head of a user in a manner similar to a traditional hat, cap or beanie, in order to allow the veil 11 to be securely positioned about the face of the user.
In one embodiment, the lower portion of the cap 62 can be secured to the veil 11 via a strong adhesive such as glue or permanent tape, for example. Alternatively, the cap and veil can be stitched together or can be constructed from a singular material at a time of construction.
FIG. 8 illustrates another alternate embodiment of the garment shield 10 in which the veil 11 is configured to completely encircle the head of the user. To this end, the veil 11 can be constructed into a bag-like design having a lower opening 80 through which the users head can be removably inserted. Such a feature can allow the device to be manufactured as a single element for quick and easy use by the wearer during a dressing procedure. Moreover, the optional lower headband 42 can also be included to further enhance the wearability of the device.
Although described above with respect to particular embodiments, one of skill in the art will recognize that each element of each embodiment can be mixed and matched with other elements and/or embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically mentioned but discernible from the provided description.
Accordingly, a garment shield device 10, as described above can act to prevent the unwanted transfer of dirt and cosmetics onto clothing when being worn by a user during a dressing procedure.
As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment shield device, comprising:

a lightweight veil configured to cover at least one of a face and neck of a user, said veil being further configured to act as a physical barrier for preventing a cosmetic material on the face of the user from soiling a garment;

a headband configured to secure an upper portion of the veil to the head of a user; and

at least one connector configured to secure the headband to the veil,

wherein said veil is constructed from a see through, breathable material, and said device is collapsible.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is constructed as a one size fits all.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is disposable, and said veil is constructed from at least one of a biodegradable paper, recyclable plastic netting, and nylon

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is reusable, and said veil is constructed from a singular piece of cloth material.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said headband includes at least one of an elastic band, a string, and a drawstring.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said headband includes a pliable wire band configured to mold to a shape of the users head.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said connectors include at least one of a staple, a compression fitting, an eyelet fastener and glue.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a brim pad configured to provide space between the veil and the users face.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a lower headband configured to secure a lower portion of the veil to at least one of the head and neck of the user.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said veil includes a shape configured to contour to the face of the user.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said veil further includes at least one of a pair of contoured head flaps and a chin flap.

12. The device of claim 10, further comprising:

a brim pad configured to provide space between the veil and the users face.

13. The device of claim 10, further comprising:

14. A garment shield device, comprising:

an elastic cap configured to be securely positioned around an upper portion of a users head; and

a lightweight veil configured to cover at least one of a face and neck of a user, said veil being further configured to act as a physical barrier for preventing a cosmetic material on the face of the user from soiling a garment,

the elastic cap and the veil being permanently affixed by an adhesive material, and

said veil being constructed from a see through, breathable material.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said device is disposable, and said veil is constructed from at least one of a biodegradable paper, recyclable plastic netting, and nylon

16. The device of claim 14, further comprising:

a brim pad configured to provide space between the veil and the users face, and

said veil includes a shape configured to contour to the face of the user.

17. The device of claim 14, further comprising:

18. The device of claim 14, wherein said veil is configured to completely enclose the head of the user.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising:

20. A garment shield kit, comprising:

a plurality of collapsible disposable garment shield devices that include

a lightweight veil configured to cover at least one of a face and neck of a user, said veil being further configured to act as a physical barrier for preventing a cosmetic material on the face of the user from soiling a garment, a headband configured to secure an upper portion of the veil to the head of a user, and at least one connector configured to secure the headband to the veil, wherein said veil is constructed from a see through, breathable material; and

a container configured to store each of the plurality of garment shield devices in a collapsed state, said container further including an opening for removing each of the devices.